Kate: Being a mum is a joy but even with lots of support I’ve felt a lack of confidence

THE Duchess of Cambridge has made a frank admission about the “huge challenge” of motherhood.

She said that despite the help of staff, including a nanny, she has felt a “lack of confidence” about being a mum.

Kate made the confession at the launch of a series of films aimed at helping new parents cope with depression and other mental health issues.

Before making her speech in Central London yesterday she sent her thoughts and prayers to those affected by the Westminster terror attack.

Kate, 35, went on to say: “Becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience.

“However, at times it has also been a huge challenge – even for me, who has support at home that most mothers do not.

“Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love and worry, all mixed together.

“Your fundamental identity changes overnight. You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual, to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost.

“And yet there is no rule book... You just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family.

“For many mothers, myself included, this can, at times, lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance.” The duchess, mum to Prince George, three, and Princess Charlotte, 22 months, made the speech to help launch the Out of the Blue educational films, produced by the Best Beginnings charity.

Kate also met some of the parents at a paternal support group who spoke about their often difficult experiences.

Kirsty Francois, 21, had her daughter Teegan-Mia at 19 and told how she struggled to cope as life became harder. She said: “There’s such a stigma with young parents and I wanted to prove them wrong.”

Kirsty told Kate that when she got involved in Best Beginnings she was finally able to open up. “Did sharing your feelings help, do you think?” asked Kate.

Kirsty said: “Yes, the floodgates opened.”

Health campaigners and professionals joined Kate at the event at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists near Regent’s Park.

The duchess arrived in an eye-catching £1,200 retro red-and-white check skirt suit by British label Eponine London that she also wore last March.

Best Beginnings helps parents with young children.

It is a charity partner of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s Heads Together mental health awareness campaign that aims to get people talking about psychological problems or listening to a person in need.